Minnehaha County, created in 1862, is a political subdivision of the State of South Dakota encompassing 810 square miles. Minnehaha County is the largest county in the state in terms of population. The 2020 Census recorded a population of 197,214. The 2025 estimated population is 212,061. Minnehaha County is governed by ten elected officials - 5 part-time Commissioners, an Auditor, a Treasurer, a State's Attorney, Register of Deeds and Sheriff. Daily operations are managed by 18 full-time Department Heads.
The County, employing 635 full-time employees, provides such services as: law enforcement, jail administration, highway construction/maintenance, property valuation, planning/zoning, parks, emergency management, public defender services, poor relief, juvenile detention services, election administration, official recording of deeds and documents, vehicle tax and licensing and property tax collection and administration.
The County also shares costs with the City of Sioux Falls for the operations and maintenance of the Siouxland Library system, the Siouxland Heritage Museum system and the Metro Communications 911 Center.
